Remarkable Architecture of the Infamous ‘Sand Dollar House’ in Austin

December 3, 2020 – 4 Minute Read

This dramatic hillside home in Lakeway is sure to take your breath away with both its one-of-a-kind form and its views. An iconic treasure, the 2,240 square foot Sand Dollar House was completed in 1979 by John Covert Watson who studied architecture under the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright at the time he was building the Guggenheim Museum in New York. Organic modern architecture, the house is made of steel and gunite with sleek white curved walls throughout. It was designed for the artist Eugenia Hunt as a second home and has been admired for decades by all who pass by it on the lake and look up in wonder.

Every room boasts commanding views of the lake through custom windows and sliding doors leading to balconies and patios that trail to the water’s edge.  In the Living room, a floating wood bench comes off of a curved wall and a fireplace that mimics a kiva provides a cozy conversation area. The unique round Kitchen with its mix of blue tiles and wood cabinets is suspended above a deck below. One of the home’s most interesting features is the fascinating spiral staircase with wood treads.

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When you look up to the tear drop shaped skylights, it feels like you are inside a sand dollar. All three bedrooms are on the lower level with windows and glass doors leading out to a series of porches. A perfect home for entertaining, guests can enjoy panoramic Lake Travis views from inside the home, then spill onto the porches and decks and trail to the water. 

We really admire Watson’s creativity that lives throughout this home. The huge sand dollar roof is very unique and the way the house embraces its surrounding environment with huge, blindless windows that give stunning 270° views of Lake Travis is amazing. After seeing pictures, videos and learning details of the property, it’s no surprise that the home has been a favorite of Lake Austin boaters since 1979.